Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means:
Peak construction season is about to start. Maybe you sell steel or metal storage buildings. Maybe you sell pole barns. Or maybe you sell garages. Regardless of what kind of structure you sell, you need a firm foundation for your structures’ roofs. The most solid foundation you’ll find is quality steel roof trusses. Just like there are many types of structural designs, there are many types of steel truss designs.
In this post, we’ll cover seven of the most popular ones:
The Pratt steel roof truss design is one of the most common designs. Often seen in bridges, it features several vertical chords that are connected by a diagonal chord. This chord runs from the top of one chord down to the bottom of the other chord. In this fashion, they form a pattern of interconnected Ns. The Pratt design is usually seen in long-spanning buildings where the tension will be focused on gravity loads.
The Warren design is also usually seen in long-spanning buildings. In fact, it is most commonly seen in buildings that include gantries and crane girders.
Steel roof trusses following the Warren design are built with the need for equal tension and compression in mind.
You see this type of steel roof truss in the shape of a triangle. That triangle has a foot, a gently-sloping, long side, and a very steep, short side. The steep side usually faces north or north-east. The design helps reduce glare from the sun and let in natural lighting. Thus, you typically see steel roof trusses of the North Light design in workshops and workshop areas.
If you’ve got a short structure you’re looking to roof, the Fink design may be the type of truss for you. Commonly used in houses, this choice of design of steel roof trusses is a very economic choice. It arranges its chords and other elements in a shorter, simpler pattern. This makes it a perfect choice for small storage buildings and the like.
Now here’s a classy design!
Seen frequently in cathedrals, the vaulted Scissor design includes two sloping sides. This makes for greater ceiling clearance. If you’ve got tall pieces of equipment, the Scissor design may be the right kind of truss for you.
This type of truss design is a variation of the North Light design. Like its parent, it is designed with deflecting direct light and letting natural light filter into the work area in mind. You see it most commonly in buildings that have multiple bays.
The Bowstring design entails a curved top chord, a straight bottom chord, and patterned chords connecting them.
It’s an elegant design that allows for both open space and natural light filtration. You typically see the Bowstring design in gyms, pool rooms, and other sporty areas. Still unsure about the type of steel roof truss design you need?
Not a problem! Reach out to us, and we’ll be glad to help you!